Indigenous leadership and collaboration are increasingly part of Gulf Savannah NRM’s DNA, where real outcomes grow from starting small, staying flexible, and placing Traditional Owners at the centre of work on Country.
This approach was on full display in a recent NRM Regions Queensland Lunch & Lead session, where GSNRM shared the story of how a simple conversation with Tagalaka Traditional Owners about pig predation and declining turtle sightings at Tagalaka National Park (formerly Littleton NP) grew into a meaningful, long-term partnership.
What began as a discussion about protecting turtles from feral pigs evolved into a project that helped the Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation achieve a long-held aspiration: establishing a full-time Tagalaka Ranger Program.
Indigenous Cultural Broker Natarsha Bell closed the session with a powerful reflection on the deeper meaning behind the project, introducing the Yalanji concept of Gugu Yaral — “straight talk with heart and passion.”
“When fire moves across Country, it carries truth with it,” Ms Bell said.
“Our survival has always depended on that truth — our connection to land, water, and spirit. These are not just resources; they are our lifeblood,” she said.
“The struggle we face today is showing that connection still exists, that it is alive in us. Every project, every act of care for Country, is proof that our hearts remain here, grounded and strong.”
After a thriving 12-month stint, the initial collaboration between GSNRM and the newly formed Tagalaka Ranger team has now wrapped up.
Ranger Coordinator Edmond Busch said the partnership’s success was measured in tangible outcomes:
“Seeing a Fully Funded QILRSP program for Tagalaka Country and people was the biggest highlight for me,” Mr Busch said.
“It meant Tagalaka people fully employed as Rangers and starting the Elders dreams of Tagalaka people looking after Country.”
During their tenure, the rangers undertook extensive professional development, including chainsaw operation, ACDC chemical usage, and in-the-field data monitoring. Working alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, the team also launched activities aimed at protecting endangered species such as the Gouldian finch.
While GSNRM’s formal involvement has concluded, the Tagalaka Ranger Program will continue for at least another two years under the Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation — a testament to the strength of Gugu Yaral and the enduring power of Indigenous-led conservation.
Gulf Savannah NRM congratulates the ranger team on their achievements to date and looks forward to seeing the next chapter of Tagalaka’s work to care for Country and preserve cultural heritage.
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This project was funded by the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program through the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, in collaboration with Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation.